PATIENTS will be able to book appointments with their GPs and order repeat prescriptions online through a new NHS website announced yesterday.

Health Minister Edwina Hart pledged £1.7m to fund the service, which will also allow people to check their medical records.

Advice on coping with conditions and links to NHS Direct will also be available on the My Health Online site.

Mrs Hart said: “The demand for online GP services is increasing and we recognise that providing accessible information is critical if we want to enable people to change their lifestyles and improve their health.

“The Welsh Assembly Government is also committed to improving access to health services for people living in rural communities. My Health Online will particularly save lengthy journeys to GP practices.

“The website will also help empower people to take responsibility for their own health through the completion of a health diary which can be shared with their GP.”

The Assembly Government said there was no start date for the website, but it could become available to patients by the end of the year.

A spokeswoman said it was still in its development stage. Work is under way to examine the requirements of the site, she said.

Local trials have been carried out in Anglesey, Carmarthenshire, Swansea and Bridgend.